Amsterdam travel guide

Museums, quirky hotels and plenty of fun activities… it’s time for the ultimate weekend in Amsterdam in 2019.

Hop on a bike and explore

Forget walking, in Amsterdam, cycling is the way to go. There are numerous bike shops to hire bikes for the weekend and a lot of city hotels will have their own bikes you can hire too. Start your adventure and head to Jordaan, one of Amsterdam’s most central neighbourhoods, and one of the prettiest too. With maze-like streets, quaint art galleries, and flower-lined canals, it’s a great area to explore. There’s also plenty to see and do in the area; from museums and markets to quirky cafes.

Relax at Amsterdam’s favourite park

One of the most popular parks in the country, Vondelpark remains a local and tourist favourite. Around 10 million people visit each year, so a trip should definitely be on your list of things to do on your visit to Amsterdam. Whether you want to relax on the grass after a long day, chill by the pond, cycle around it or catch one of the open-air concerts or festivals, it’s a lovely contrast to the busier areas of the city.

Cruise along the canals

When you think of Amsterdam, you think of canals, so it’d be a shame not to go on a canal cruise and explore the city from the water. Try and take the trip at the start of your break as you’ll get a great overview of Amsterdam’s history and top attractions, and the general layout of the city.

Spend a few hours in Museumplein

The Museumplein district allows you to jump right into Dutch history, culture and more by visiting some of Europe’s top museums. From the artwork of top Flemish masters to ensemble portraits to Van Gogh masterpieces – you’ll find it all here. If you only have a short time in Amsterdam, then it’s probably best to choose one museum rather than trying to cram them all in.

Rijksmuseum – Visited by over 2.2 million people each year, the museum is a treasure trove of Dutch arts and history. The star of the show is Rembrandt’s Night Watch.

Stedelijk Museum – If you’d rather see some contemporary art and design, then this is the museum for you. It’s home to both temporary and permanent exhibitions, so check out the latest listings for what will be on during your visit.

Van Gogh Museum – This museum gives you the chance to step into Van Gogh’s world. Along with the world’s largest collection of works by Vincent van Gogh, you can also see some of the artist’s personal belongings and letters. It can get busy, especially at weekends, so I’d recommend booking in advance.

Visit the Anne Frank House

Another must-visit for your trip to Amsterdam, the Anne Frank House is home to a museum experience retelling her incredible story. It’s a harrowing journey, but an important one, as you learn all about her life, and see where she hid when the Nazis swept through Europe.

Fly through the city

Adrenaline junkies – this one is for you! If you want to see Amsterdam from a whole new perspective, then you’re going to absolutely love A’DAM LOOKOUT. As you take your seat on the highest swing in Europe, you’ll be treated to 360-degree views of the city. You’ll need to buy a ticket for the lookout, then once you’re up there the swing is €5.